Pet food update: Menu Foods of Streetsville, Ontario, the manufacturer that has recalled over 60 million cans and pouches of pet food implicated in sickening or killing many cats and dogs, had begun testing the food Feb. 27 after receiving reports of sick pets. Seven of the 40-50 test animals died. The only suspect right now is a new wheat gluten supplier. New York Times

What’s the buzz: Scientists have just announced they’ve genetically engineered mosquitoes (with red eyes, no less) that cannot transmit malaria. Trials revealed that the GM mosquitoes could quickly establish themselves in the wild and drive out natural malaria-carrying insects. Before they’re released in sub-Saharan Africa, where malaria kills a child every 30 seconds, scientists will first have to prove “as far as possible” that the resistance genes will not trigger a more aggressive form of malaria, or spread to other insects. And, we hope, whether eating them will sicken mosquito predators like bats, birds, and fish. The Guardian (UK)

Oh no they didn’t: McDonalds has asked the Oxford English Dictionary to change its definition of “McJob” as it’s “insulting to those talented, committed, hard-working people who serve the public every day.” Mother Jones blog

Of Tar Heels and hogs: An op-ed says that as long as North Carolina’s massive hog factories are here to stay, they should be forced to further clean up their acts. News Observer

After the raids: A touching profile of the fallout experienced by a Mexican immigrant family in North Carolina, the head of which was deported after years of working in a Smithfield slaughterhouse for $8/hour. News Observer

The cold war: Regina Schrambling explores what makes Americans squander electricity keeping ingredients cold that could survive just fine at room temperature…including Hellman’s mayonnaise — but not, we think doubtfully, the organic version. We’re going to get our soy sauce out of the fridge right now. Salon

Amber waves of fuel: Soy is a better choice for biofuel than corn, says this op-ed by two scientists, but an even better source could be prairie plants native to the Midwest that can be grown on marginal land with minimal inputs. Star Tribune